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How to Wow Every Guest: A Simple Guide to Catering for Special Dietary Needs

ByRoss Bradley

Planning an event in Liverpool? Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or a corporate do, there’s one question you should always ask early on: How can we make sure everyone feels welcome, safe, and well-fed?

Here at Wild Truffle, we cater for dozens of weddings and events every year, and trust us — there’s always someone with a dietary requirement. Whether it’s gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, or something more specific, we’ve got the experience (10+ years of it!) to help you get it just right.

We’re a friendly bunch and we love helping our clients deliver delicious food to every single guest. If you’re ever unsure, you can call, text, email or WhatsApp us — we’ll gladly talk it through and point you in the right direction.

Why It Matters (and How to Get It Right)

Catering for special diets isn’t just a “nice to have” anymore — it’s essential. It shows respect, thoughtfulness, and care. And more importantly, it avoids unnecessary health risks. Here’s how to make it stress-free:

1. Get the Info Early

Include a space on your invites or RSVP forms asking guests about dietary needs. The earlier you know, the easier it is to plan.

2. Choose the Right Caterer

Not every caterer takes dietary needs seriously. With Wild Truffle, we make it a key part of our service — from buffet catering to fully plated menus.

3. Clear Labelling is Key

Make sure every dish is labelled properly. No one wants to play “guess the ingredient” — especially not someone with allergies.

A Few Funny (and Surprising) Facts

To keep things light, here are some tasty trivia titbits:

  • Caterpillars are vegan. Wait, what? Not to eat — but they are! They munch only on leaves and plants. Source
  • The world’s biggest food fight is tomato-based. Every August, thousands gather in Spain for La Tomatina, throwing over 100 tonnes of tomatoes. Source
  • Gluten-free doesn’t always mean healthy. Many gluten-free treats are packed with sugar and fats to make up for lost texture. Still, it’s a lifesaver for coeliacs! Source
  • The UK has more vegans than ever. Over 600,000 Brits are now following a vegan lifestyle. That’s about the population of Liverpool! Source

Common Special Diets (And What They Actually Mean)

Let’s break it down:

  • Vegetarian – No meat, poultry or fish.
  • Vegan – No animal products at all (no dairy, eggs, honey, etc.).
  • Gluten-Free – No wheat, barley, or rye. Safe for coeliacs.
  • Nut-Free – Essential for those with life-threatening allergies.
  • Dairy-Free – No milk, cheese, cream, etc.

Not sure what someone means? Just ask them. It’s always better to double-check.

Tips to Keep Your Event Safe & Inclusive

  • Separate Serving Utensils: Avoid cross-contamination by using different spoons/tongs.
  • Avoid Guesswork: If you’re not 100% sure what’s in a dish — don’t serve it to someone with dietary needs.
  • Offer More Than One Option: No one wants to be stuck with a sad salad.
  • Talk to Your Caterer: We’re always happy to help customise menus, especially for our corporate event catering clients who need to impress a crowd.

Final Thought

Catering for dietary needs isn’t about jumping through hoops — it’s about showing love and care for everyone around the table. With a little planning and the right support, you’ll nail it.

And if you need a hand, you know where to find us.

👉 WhatsApp us for quick answers and friendly advice.

FAQs

1. What’s the most common dietary requirement at events?
Vegetarian is usually the most common, followed by gluten-free and dairy-free.

2. Can Wild Truffle provide allergen-free meals?
Absolutely — just let us know in advance and we’ll prepare safe, separate meals.

3. How far in advance should I share dietary requirements?
As soon as you get RSVPs! The earlier, the better.

4. Do you label all food at events?
Yes, every menu is clearly labelled with allergens and dietary info.

5. Can you help me build a menu that caters to everyone?
Of course! Give us a ring or message and we’ll help build the perfect spread.

Need expert help with your event? Don’t stress — WhatsApp us now or visit our Home Page to learn more.